Make breakfast ahead for a fun Christmas morning

December 18, 2007|From staff reports

It's Christmas morning and your family's got one thing on their minds - presents. But all that tearing and mayhem is bound to make people hungry. So rather than tear yourself away from the fun to create an elaborate breakfast, rely on some easy make-ahead dishes that can be assembled the night before and popped in the oven when you turn on the coffee maker. ''You don't want to be in the kitchen when your family is opening presents in the morning, or if you have a long day of people coming in and out of your house,'' says Peter Degnan, culinary director for Williams-Sonoma. ''You want something really quick and easy, but it also has to be really good and something special.'' Sample a few ideas for egg dishes, yeast breads and even hot cereals so good - and fuss-free - your family and friends will think they've been left by food savvy elves. Read Wednesday's Taste page in the American News.